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📅 Today's Story: A surge in tree removals following changes to Seattle’s tree ordinance has reignited debate between housing advocates and environmental groups, raising concerns about the city’s long-term sustainability and livability goals.
📝 Editor's Note: This is the weekly lookback edition of our national newsletter, which includes the 'best hits' of the week from every major Urbanize region. Going forward, every weekly edition will start with "Weekly Roundup:" in the title.
URBAN POLICY
Seattle Tree Ordinance Sparks Development Clash |
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📰 What Happened: In 2023, Seattle revised its tree ordinance, making it easier for builders to remove trees on private property. Since then, weekly tree removals jumped from just 6 trees to 58. While over 90% were small-diameter trees (and the city claims twice as many were replanted), advocates argue saplings can’t replace the ecological benefits of mature trees.
🔍 A Closer Look: The city’s goal of 30% tree canopy by 2037 is slipping out of reach. A recent study shows that even planting trees on every suitable public site in Seattle wouldn’t be enough to compensate for the fact that the city is “slowly losing ground.” The Department of Transportation faces steep hurdles, like concrete removal and utility conflicts, which also limit its capabilities.
🧠 Why It Matters: Seattle underscores a broader urban challenge—how to densify responsibly without compromising the environment. With heatwaves and stormwater runoff intensifying, mature trees are vital urban infrastructure. Smarter design through city incentives could offer a way to build housing without cutting down urban forests.
| Vine CityEarly glimpses emerge for project near Mercedes-Benz StadiumControversial Georgia Power substation recently broke ground at doorstep of GWCC in Vine City |
| DeKalb CountyCorner project anchored by ‘high-end Publix’ moves forward Candler Crossing development aims to increase fresh food access, boost retail space in Decatur |
| Grant ParkDespite pushback, 2-mile Complete Streets on brink of constructionProject years in making will link several neighborhoods, Zoo Atlanta to forthcoming Beltline |
| OTPFirst look: A-frame ‘micro community’ bound for North Georgia MountainsSecluded North Creek project set for seven-lot site near downtown Blue Ridge |
| SouthsideImages: America's largest builder starts delivering homes near BeltlineFirst phase of Benteen Reserve project by D.R. Horton hits market, south of Grant Park |
| North AustinDevelopers score $105M loan for new life sciences project at EastVillage223,000sf project is fully pre-leased to BillionToOne, Inc. |
| EdgewaterCDC approves $22 million in TIF funding for 5853 N. BroadwayThe $72.8 million building will have 90 affordable apartments |
| West LoopDevelopers secure financing for 1217 W. WashingtonThe development will stand 19-stories with 287 apartments and retail |
| The LoopDevelopers secure funding and permit for office to residential conversion at 65 E. WackerWacker Place will become home to 252 luxury apartments |
| Irving ParkFull building permit issued for development at 4357 N. RichmondThe four-story building will have 6 condos and retail |
| River NorthCaisson permit issued for development at 227 W. ChicagoThe 10-story building is being developed under the existing zoning |
| DowntownDeveloper pulls the plug on proposed DTLA high-rise at 1120 S. Olive StreetPlans had called for a 60-story building with more than 700 apartments |
| RegionalMetro releases final EIR for C Line extension to TorranceA groundbreaking could occur as early as 2027 |
| DowntownL.A. City Council approves big apartment tower above The BlocPlans call for a 53-story, 710-foot tall building |
| Inglewood$300M Kali Hotel tops out next to SoFi Stadium in InglewoodThe 13-story development is the only hotel permitted in the Hollywood Park specific plan |
